Hostage in Taipei: A True Story of Forgiveness and Hope

by McGill Alexander

Overview

Readers interested in world events, true-experience thrillers, and amazing answers to prayer will enjoy this book.

This true story was produced as a docu-drama by National Geographic Channel and broadcast in their Locked-Up Abroad Series.

A South African diplomat family were taken hostage by a ruthless and notorious killer in Taiwan. In the chaos of media frenzy and gun battles with police the Alexanders' lives were endangered, their faith and love put to the test, and miracles occurred. The Alexander family witnessed for Christ before TV cameras, news media, and throngs of people in a non-Christian nation eager to hear how anyone could show forgiveness toward a killer who had mercilessly harmed them and terrorized the entire island. This event, which occurred in 1997, had huge media coverage and still connects with readers concerned about terrorism in our world today.

In 1997, the family of South African diplomat McGill Alexander were taken hostage by Taiwan's most-wanted and feared criminal, Chen Chin-hsing. The family were held at gunpoint, used as human shields in gun battle with the police, and seriously wounded in the crossfire. Demanding justice for his imprisoned wife, Chen threatened to commit suicide once his mission was accomplished. Besieged by media and police, confusion ensued; but several heroes rose above the danger. Ann Alexander visited Chen Chin-hsing in prison, and before his execution, he converted to faith in Christ. The Alexander's showed the world a stunning example of forgiveness in the midst of violence and revenge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780967038629
Publisher:	CLADACH Publishing
Publication date:	04/01/2001
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	5.62(w) x 8.54(h) x 0.74(d)

About the Author

McGill Alexander is retired career soldier who served as Brigadier General in the South African Army. He was on assignment in Taipei, Taiwan, as South Africa's military attache, when he and his family were violently taken hostage by Chen Chin-Hsing. McGill, enjoys military studies, writing, photography, and hiking with friends on the remote and rugged trails of South Africa.

Table of Contents

	Preface	7
1	"Why is this Happening To Us?"	11
2	Hostage!	23
3	Streets of Taipei	35
4	Terror in Taiwan	45
5	Horrors of Helplessness	61
6	Shadow of Death	73
7	Police Assault	81
8	Chief Hou You-Yi	95
9	Wild Dogs	101
10	A Mother's Gumption	115
11	A Long, Lonely Night	129
12	Christine's Drawing	139
13	No Tears To Shed	147
14	Hospital Vigil	156
15	A Heavyweight Arrives on the Scene	162
16	Armed Only with Love	177
17	After Shocks	189
18	Celebrations	205
19	Confusions	211
20	Visit To the Prisoner	221
21	The Good-Bye Whirlwind	235
22	Back To South Africa	245
23	The Miracle Bullet	251
24	The Miracle Conversion	257
25	A Mind-Boggling Request	271
26	Execution	277
27	Dead To Sin; But Alive To God	287
	Epilogue	297
	Notes	299
	Acknowledgments and Sources	307

Editorial Reviews

People were amazed how each member of this family could act so nobly, courageously, and lovingly towards this most notorious criminal. −Jennifer Sun, Associate Editor, Campus Magazine

Dramatic stuff; I was gripped! −Jane Steer, -editor, South China Morning Post Sunday Magazine

The Alexander family sowed the seeds of love in hatred, forgiveness in harm. −from the film, THE INTRUDER, Baptist Communications Center Taiwan

[Alexander] did a good deal of justice to the most fascinating news story Taiwan had seen in a decade or more. I also appreciate [his] honest, even-handed criticisms of both the police and the media, and straightforwardness in proclaiming [his] faith to God. − David Frazier, features editor (at the time of the hostage event), The Taipei Times

Very moving TRUE story. It is a story full of hope! −J. Moore, E-pinions.com

From the Publisher